My Research
My work focuses on the geochemistry of trace elements in natural environments. I study the geochemistry of rare earth elements (REE) in river estuaries, attempting to delineate processes that control their fate and transport. These REE are economically important e.g., the use of neodymium in magnets, and gadolinium in contrast agents used for magnetic resonance imaging at hospitals. In my study of the REE, I sample waters and sediment from the Mississippi River and its mixing zone with the Gulf of Mexico, and examine the spatial variability in REE concentrations across a salinity gradient. I also conduct laboratory experiments to study how the river’s sediments influence both the REE concentrations and Neodymium isotopic composition of the Gulf. In addition to the REE, I study the geochemistry of thioarsenic species in experimental sulfidic waters, with the aim of determining constants that describe the formation of the homologous thioarsenate species. These constants will be important when monitoring the fate and transport of arsenic in contaminated systems, as well as during remediation efforts.
My Life at Tulane
My experience has been a pleasant one from its onset. The abundance of extracurricular activities at Tulane and the city of New Orleans makes Tulane ideal for both learning and “fun”. I particularly enjoy playing soccer with random groups at the Tulane Reily Center, and softball over the summer with other Tulane graduate students.
